Self Storage Data Security – It starts in your Facility.

Data Security for Self Storage Software

Data Security is the latest buzz word around with moral outrage at its peak over the FaceBook data sharing incident where 87 million records were used by Cambridge Analytica for use in Election campaigns. We pass no moral judgement but let’s take a step back and have a look in our backyard!

If you consider that your data is yours, then it’s your responsibility to reduce the risk of your data being compromised. The buck stops with you. At SiteLink we have invested in layers of security to protect your self storage software data. Our servers are of the highest security and our servers are penetration tested by third-party independent companies regularly.

Our leading certifications add even more data security. PCI-DSS level one Certification is as high as any financial intuition. We have strict enforceable guidelines for data that must pass between integrations for website and gate systems to function.

Data security is an issue, even for self storage software and we are all responsible for and here is a checklist for you to test your own data security standards at your Self Storage site:

Passwords and security levels

Passwords are the foundation of data security. Understanding that simple passwords like “Password, 12345, Your own name” etc lack originality and can be easily hacked. Our tip is to use a combination of case sensitive letters and numbers. Pass Phrases are much easier to remember and almost impossible to hack. Here is an example, HSVGTS427Holden. This password if you are a car nut is easy to remember but hard to crack. Or try something like SydneyisGr8today. Easy passphrases work and are simpler than passwords to remember. We all must have multiple passwords for everything we do. How do you store them? Well, the piece of paper is not secure, the note in your diary is not secure. Using a professional password system like www.lastpass.com

You can argue that we should not have to go to this effort, but it’s hard to argue against large companies that secure data in much more robust ways when we don’t do it ourselves.

SiteLink Software has many layers of data protection, Corporate code, site code, user name and password are the basics. Change your password regularly. Ensure that personnel in your organisation have the correct security level and access to information in line with their authority.

Enforcing a log on for certain tasks adds a little bit more time to a Transaction, adding security and accountability. PCI-DSS Security standards call for 7-digit passwords that must be changed every 90 days, reducing risk at the site. Staff may not like the extra effort, but security does take effort that is worthwhile.

Internet and computer security

All internet is served in your Self Storage business by a Gateway or modem router. These have passwords and they have firewalls. A firewall is like a pegboard – it only lets data through open ports that have been opened by applications. Port 80 is the common one for browsers and internet access. CCTV Systems, gate systems and remote access tools open more ports. Use this tool on your own IP address to see what ports are open on your gateway: https://mxtoolbox.com/portscan.aspx/

Only have the ports open that are needed. Ask an IT pro to help you with this if you are not sure. Make sure you change the default password on the Gateway.

Does your computer startup without a password? What if someone steals it? What if you walk away from your screen to help a Storer and someone accesses your computer? Your computer should have a password. CTR +L will lock your Windows 10 screen. Basic security. If you leave the office, lock the door!

Don’t leave notebooks or tablets in your car. If you must put them in the boot under a mat. If your car is stolen, then change all passwords as soon as possible.

SiteLink self storage software can restrict access by IP (computer address) to prevent users from outside the office or even a country. The setup allows for the entry of an IP range, giving real control over computers accessing your data

Websites and Social Media

When you visit a new website, more than likely you will have a login or will need to create an account. If you have followed our tips, you will have a strong email password. If in the example below, you log in with Google rather than your own email address, you are agreeing to share certain data with the website and the tool you are using to authenticate your login with.

Data sharing is here to stay and for the most part, it has delivered convenience. We all struggle remembering passwords and it’s an effortless way to log on using your FaceBook or Google account. Every time you do this you are sharing data. Overall, data sharing can work to target information in a way that benefits you. When you see targeted content, mainly ads this is because data sharing has served ads that meet your interest. Right or wrong it’s not going to go away.

Review what you post on Social Media. Understand that when you post, many will see what you have posted, and they can share that content. If you don’t want stuff to be shared, don’t post it. Participating in FaceBook competitions and answering posts like “you’re trapped on an Island and you only have one Storage space left and 3 customers, who do you rent it to” posts are all designed to profile you. Resist the temptation.